About Us

Credit: Vanessa J. Thomas

The Westminster Astronomical Society was founded in 1984 in Westminster, Maryland. The first meeting consisted of just 5 individuals at the Westminster Public Library. Since then, we have grown to 110+ members.

When Carroll County opened the Bear Branch Nature Center, WASI pitched in to help build the Bear Branch Planetarium. Today, we continue to operate and provide shows for the Nature Center as well as many other star parties around the community.

In 2003, Westminster Astronomical Society incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Board of Directors:
Chairman:Tony Falletta
Board Members:Curt Roelle
 Vanessa J. Thomas
 Pankaj “Doc” Desai
 Jim Reynolds
Officers:
President:Wayne “Skip” Bird
1st Vice-president:Narayan Nair
2nd Vice-president:Jeffrey Silver
Treasurer:Laurie Ansorge
Secretary:Jack Ganssle
Past President:Cindy Ward
Committee Leadership:
Astrophotography Committe Chairman:Chris Bennett
Bear Branch Planetarium Director:Pankaj “Doc” Desai
Blaine F. Roelke Memorial Observatory Director:Jeff Burns
Charlotte’s Quest Observatory Director:Chris Bennett
Observing Committee Chairman:Jeff Burns
Youth Advisory Committee Chairman:John Daniel
Offices:
ALCOR Representative:Laurie Ansorge
Librarian:Curt Roelle
Outreach Director:Wayne (Skip) Bird
Program Coordinator:Curt Roelle
Webmaster:Tom Milley